An Australian teenager has died after he was hit by a cricket ball throughout a apply session in Melbourne.

Ben Austin, 17, was coaching in cricket nets in Ferntree Gully on Tuesday when he was struck within the head or neck by a ball from an computerized bowling machine. It is believed he was carrying a helmet.

Emergency staff have been referred to as to the scene shortly earlier than 17:00 native time (06:00 GMT) and the boy was rushed to Monash Youngsters’s Hospital in essential situation. He was placed on life help however died on Wednesday.

The Ferntree Gully Cricket Membership mentioned it was “completely devastated” by the “tragic passing” of 1 its gamers and {the teenager}’s loss of life “can be felt by all in our cricket neighborhood”.

Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Affiliation president Arnie Walters mentioned Ben was “each gifted and well-liked in native cricket”.

“I understand how closely this information will land throughout our neighborhood and we’ll present any and all help we will to our golf equipment and cricket household,” he mentioned.

In a social media publish, Ben’s cricket membership prolonged their condolences to his household and pals and “to all of those that knew Ben and the enjoyment that he introduced”.

“We ask you to please respect the privateness of Ben’s household throughout this time,” the publish mentioned.

On behalf of {the teenager}’s household, the membership additionally thanked Ambulance Victoria, the police and hospital employees.

Waverley Park Hawks Junior Soccer Membership, for which Ben performed greater than 100 video games, mentioned he was “sort”, “respectful” and a “incredible footballer”.

“Our membership and neighborhood have misplaced a really nice younger one who was creating right into a superb younger grownup and his loss can be felt keenly by our membership for a few years to come back.”

The BBC has contacted Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria for remark.

The incident comes simply over a decade after Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died after being struck on the neck by a ball whereas batting within the Sheffield Protect in 2014.

His loss of life, for which a coroner in the end discovered no-one was responsible, sparked enhancements to security tools for these taking part in the game.